Unit 18: Sexually transmitted bacterial Pathogens (STI) and HIV

Head:

Dagmar Heuer

Deputy:

Kathleen Klapper, Oliver Hohn

The unit performs microbiological monitoring of the sexually transmitted pathogens Neisseria gonorrhoeae and human immunodeficiency viruses (HIV).

Using modern techniques, molecular biological data are collected for the surveillance of these pathogens and analysed together with additional data. The aims are to observe the spreading of these pathogens and the development of resistance in Germany, to characterise molecular epidemiological abnormalities and outbreaks and to analyse their pathogenicity mechanisms. These data expand our knowledge and understanding of the transmission, spreading dynamics, development of resistance and virulence of the pathogens.

Unit 18 thus provides an important basis for the evidence-based implementation of public health measures in the areas of prevention, diagnostics and therapy in Germany.

In addition, new methods for the detection of these or novel sexually transmitted pathogens and the analysis of co-infections are being developed and established. A particular focus of the unit, is the investigation of pathogen-host interactions to analyse the virulence and pathogenesis of HIV-1, Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae.

Research groups in Unit 18

1. HIV Study Laboratory

   Analysis of the molecular epidemiology of HIV in Germany based on long-term HIV studies (Integrated Genomic Surveillance of new HIV Diagnoses (IGS/MolSurv-HIV), Incidence Surveillance of new HIV Diagnoses (InzSurv-HIV), HIV-1 Serconverter Study) and research projects based on these studies.
   

2. STI Study Laboratory
   Phenotypic and genotypic surveillance of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) of N. gonorrhoeae in Germany (GO-Surv-AMR) and AMR of N. gonorrhoeae isolated from the pharynx (Integrated genomic surveillance; IGS). Advice on diagnostics and therapy by the Consultant laboratory for Gonococci based in the unit.
   
3. Research Group: Innovative Pathogen Diagnostics and Immune Reactions
   Establishment of innovative molecular biological and immunological detection methods of viral and bacterial STI and analysis of co-infections and pathogenesis mechanisms in model systems.
   
4. Research group: Bacteria-Host Cell Interaction
   Identification and elucidation of the interactions between C. trachomatis and their respective host cells, which are essential for infection with Chlamydia spp., and the analysis of STI and HIV-1 co-infections in model systems.
   
5. Research group: Retrovirus-Host Cell Interaction
   The working group carries out research projects on the pathogenesis, replication and relevant restriction mechanisms of exogenous and endogenous retroviruses. Aspects of innate and acquired immunity and infection prevention strategies play a central role.
6. Research group: Innate Immunity
   Short description is in progress

Finale theses in the unit
If you are interested in completing a Master's thesis in the unit, please contact the head of the unit, Dagmar Heuer.

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